Many students write for the first time in schools. Every writer needs an inspiration. Every story needs a reader. When students find a book they like or love, their life opens and their world grows and extends beyond the known and the obvious. Teachers, librarians and parents strive to ensure students encounter such books. Writing is fun for young children because they have a riot of imagination. Their interests are wide and varied. This week’s book reviews from International Reading Association’s Children’s Literature and Reading Special Interest Group (CL/R SIG) provide inspiration from varied genres and themes. Using some of these books in the classroom will help students gain a clearer understanding of the issues, think more deeply and establish a better understanding of the world around them.

Grade K-3 readers

Goldman, Marcia. (2014). Lola Goes to the Doctor. Berkeley, CA: Creston Books.

This story focuses on the feelings of a dog, Lola, who is visiting a doctor. The volume is especially designed for teaching students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The words in the text convey emotions, while pictures show what happens. The visit begins with Lola in the waiting room. She sees many new faces and new animals. She needs to wait for her turn and uses the time to investigate the chicken, the pig, and other big dogs. Lola is nervous. When the nurse calls her name, she goes in, all by herself. She is big and getting brave. The book goes through the routine of doctor exam. Readers will love when Lola gets a treat for being brave.  There is a little bit of humor in the story too. This is a great book for inclusive classrooms or for a reading specialist. A discussion guide is provided in the back of the book.

—Rani Iyer, Washington State University Pullman

Kalz, Jill. (2014). Trust, Truth, and Ridiculous Goofs: Reading and Writing Friendship Poems. North Mankato, MN: Capstone Press.

Poetry is one of the best ways for young students to express themselves. This slim volume uses a wide variety of poems to introduce readers to rhymes, haiku, an acrostic poem, a cinquain, stanza, limerick, and many more. A wonderful example of concrete poem is provided in the form of a swing. The introduction and tips for practice are highly valuable for all students. Activities such as journaling, free write, and other activities are presented in a student-friendly way. The strategies in this book can be applied in science, mathematics, and language arts class. The book is laid out in soft colors with great illustrations. The title is a valuable addition to any classroom or school.

—Rani Iyer, Washington State University Pullman

O’Connor, Geroge. (2014). If I Had a Raptor. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.

Somewhat reminiscent of If You Give the Mouse a Cookie and other similar books, this title explores what to expect when you bring a baby raptor home. The child wants to get the raptor when it’s a tiny, funny, and fluffy baby. Because a tiny raptor could easily get lost, you will have to tie a bell. Let it snuggle on clean laundry or bask in a sunny windowsill. Practical problems including clipping claws and how to ensure proper raptor-habits are encouraged and thoughtfully expressed in this story. This is a great mentor text for students to write about both fantasy and real pets.
—Rani Iyer, Washington State University Pullman

Polacco, Patricia. (2014). Clara and Davie: The True Story of Young Clara Barton Founder of the American Red Cross. New York, NY: Scholastic Press.

Born on Christmas Day in 1821, Clarrisa Barton was a special child. Her mother was sick and weak. Clara, as her family called her, was always with her brother, Davie. He taught her to ride a horse bareback before she could walk. He taught her to climb trees, chase fireflies, and jump deep furrows. The flowers, nature, and animals loved Clara as much as she loved them. However, she struggled to speak. Her classmates teased her. Davie, upset by this, suggested the family school her at home. Soon, the entire family taught her to read, write, and do her arithmetic. But, it was her reputation for healing that brought neighbors from all over. Her happy days ended when Davie falls from the barn roof and breaks his legs. Three springs came and went, but Davie could barely manage to move. Clara brought flowers for her brother and encouraged him. One day, in distress, she cried in front of him. Davie made the effort and walked to greet Clara. He told her that one day, she would be a great lady. The book will inspire students to seek great human stories from their own family and it will help them celebrate who they are.

—Rani Iyer, Washington State University Pullman

Rhatigan, Joseph. (2014). People You Gotta Meet Before You Grow Up: Get to Know the Movers and Shakers, Heroes and Hotshots in Your Hometown. Watertown, MA: Charlesbridge Publishing.

Sometimes for inspiration, children need not look far beyond their neighborhood and surroundings. This book introduces children to the people who quietly offering their skills for the benefit of the community . This is a great book that can be tied to curriculum or when parents are invited to classroom to speak about their careers. Students will be inspired and begin choosing role models. Beyond the movers and shakers, there are also other people who might seem strange in the community—the immigrants. For a career as a writer, the book features the famous Kelly Milner Halls and her dinosaur books. Other unusual careers listed are animal rescuer, environmentalist, CEO, and historical reenactor. This is a wonderful book for any classroom or library.

—Rani Iyer, Washington State University Pullman

Grades 4-6

Muten, Burleigh. (2014). Miss Emily. Illus. by Matt Phelan. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.

This splendid, delightful novel shares the tale of a group of children’s adventures with the great poet Emily Dickinson. In this book, although she is largely a recluse, “Miss Emily” joins children in their games. One day, Emily forms a pact with four kids to go on a night of adventure to see the circus animals as they come to Amherst by train, the train usually arrives in the dead of the night. Emily, who never attended the circus or other social events, wants to see the wonderful creatures and observe the people who were a part of the circus. Ned, Sally, and Mac, along with Emily and her spirited dog, sneak out of their homes at midnight and go the railroad station to watch the great circus unload. Emily dresses up as a gypsy with a turban and they wait the arrival of the train. When it does, they are delighted to see lions, an elephant, and a series of animals that will perform in the circus. They are even more delighted to be greeted by the circus people. Alas, it was time to run when they are spotted by a familiar doctor. Mac falls and sprains his ankle and howEmily takes responsibility for the incident is vividly presented. Told in lean and effective free verse, supported by apt pencil drawings, this book presents a fascinating way to explore a great American female poet. Students might also like to visit the Emily Dickinson museum: https://www.emilydickinsonmuseum.org/

—Rani Iyer, Washington State University Pullman

Young, Judy, Mackall, Dandi & Levitin, Sonia. (2014). American Adventures: Troubled Times—The Great Depression. Illus. by Chris Ellison & Guy Porfirio. Ann Arbor, MI: Sleeping Bear Press.

The title is a compilation of three children’s experiences during the Great American Depression. The first story, “The Lucky Star,” portrays the life of Ruth who can no longer go through school due to the Depression. Her parents are working and Ruth takes care of the home and her sister. Ruth begins to teach neighborhood children how to read and write. She inspires both them and herself. The middle story, “Rudy Rides the Rails,” is about the 13-year old Rudy who wants to help his family during the Great Depression. He realizes that if he leaves home, there would be one mouth less to feed. Rudy boarded a train to go to California, to find a job and send money home. He becomes a hobo, hopping trains and working as a drifter. The touching story ends when he returns home and etches a cat on the door- a sign indicating all hobos are welcome to share the food they have. The last story, “Junk Man’s Daughter,” tells the experience of Hanna, an immigrant, who landed in America during the Great Depression. When her father could not find a job, the children join him in collecting and selling junk. During the Depression, many people bought the bottles, tins, and other scraps they sold. The family earned enough to first buy a cart, then a truck. The stories are supported by excellent, photo-like illustrations. These stories are great inspiration for children today. This excellent title will be a great addition to any library.

—Rani Iyer, Washington State University Pullman

Grades 7-9

Montgomery, Sy. (2014). Chasing Cheetahs: The Race to Save Africa’s Fastest Cats. Photographs by Nic Bishop. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Every child is inspired by the sight of animalsand large, wild cats, are often one of their favorites. The nine chapters in this wonderfully illustrated book talk about the challenges and struggles to save one of these big cats, the cheetah. Dr. Laurie Baker is an American living in Namibia working to save the cheetahs from extinction. The narrative is engaging and interspersed with the sights in the field”A tall, smiling woman dressed in black, her curly salt-and pepper hair flowing like a mane, is striding towards us—with a ninety-pound black and gold spotted cat at her side...”
Although Laurie has been honored as a “Hero of The Planet,” by Time Magazine, her work to save the cheetahs is ongoing. Laurie, who always wanted to be a veterinarian, bought a grape farm and worked in a winery. It was here that she came in close contact with a cheetah cub for the first time. At a time when modern human way of living was slowly squeezing the wild animals out of their homes, Laurie started the Cheetah Conservation Fund to save the cheetahs and invited others to work with her. One of their unique programs is the “Dog for Cats Program.”. Guard dogs provide the warning to the cattle or sheep when cheetahs are in vicinity. This warning system keeps farmers from killing cheetahs and, instead, participating in conservation efforts. There are many ways for students and families to be involved in saving the cheetahs. Classrooms can raise money to buy a guard dog or families can volunteer in Namibia. The excellent book will inspire budding writers to take a look at creatures that are almost extinct and seek out stories to tell about it. Find more information about CCF here http://cheetah.org/.

—Rani Iyer, Washington State University Pullman

Price, Jane. (2014). Underworld: Exploring the Secret World Beneath Your Feet. Illus. by James Gulliver Hancock. Ontorio, Canada: Kids Can Press Ltd.

This wonderful book is filled with information that will keep students completely occupied for weeks and months. The book is divided into nine chapters and each chapter not only has detailed illustrations by the talented James Hancock, it also has wonderful and relevant writing, delivering short informative bites of information inviting readers to explore more on their own. The first chapter, “Earth’s Crust and Below,” includes information about the crust, volcanos, continental plates, and dinosaurs. Chapter 3 deals with animals that live underground. Details about bats, dens and burrows, and a spread about naked mole rats form this chapter. All the nine chapters are presented in an interesting manner for young readers. The illustrations are accurate and suitably labeled. This is a great book for any library and classroom.

—Rani Iyer, Washington State University Pullman

Grades 9-12

Kuklin, Susan. (2014). Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.

Many teenagers are undergoing serious changes in their lives. In our dichotomous world, many of us are aware of only male and female. But, there are people among us who live in the flux of identity experiencing maleness in their bodies when they are legally female, or the opposite. In this book, Susan interviewed and photographed six teens who are members of the transgender community. This book encourages teenagers to accept and embrace their true biological natures by providing in-depth coverage of their experiences. Every writer is inspired by personal experiences that bring about a shift in their cognition and frames the perspective of life. The collection of experiences in this book are from the participants’ perspective. Not all of them had the support of their families, though many did. Not all of them know how to define themselves, but they have a support system helping them through the process. Told in a clear voice, this book will be an inspiration for the teenagers to write about their experiences with gender. This is a wonderful book for any language arts class and school library. Find out more about the author and explore her work at: http://www.susankuklin.net/

—Rani Iyer, Washington State University Pullman

These reviews and resources are submitted by members of the International Reading Association’s Children’s Literature and Special Interest Group (CL/R SIG) and are published weekly on Reading Today Online.